The police seized close to P9 million in suspected shabu and arrested two high-value individuals during a buy-bust operation in a subdivision in Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City on Monday, Jan. 12.
The operation significantly cut off the supply of illegal drugs intended for distribution during the Sinulog Festival in Kabankalan City, the Police Regional Office- Negros Island Region said.
“It prevented illegal substances from reaching festival-goers, strengthened public safety measures, and ensured a peaceful, orderly, and drug-free celebration,” the PRO-NIR added.
The suspects were identified as “Tata” 53, of Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City, and “Anthon”, 45, of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
The 45-year-old suspect is the number one target-listed drug personality of Kabankalan City and an alleged member of the Bugalon Drug Group.
The Bacolod City Police Office said the operation was conducted at around 6:16 p.m. along Block 6, Lot 27, Camella Subdivision in Brgy. Mandalagan.
Seized during the operation were about 1,300 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P8,840,000.
The suspects were arrested for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police investigation revealed that both men were previously arrested for drug-related offenses and had established a wide-reaching distribution network covering Kabankalan, Himamaylan, La Carlota, Cauayan, and Binalbagan, as well as several areas in Bacolod.
The buy-bust operation was conducted by the City Drug Enforcement Unit of BCPO.*